A Tile-Laying Board Game for All Ages
If you’re looking for a quick, engaging board game that blends strategy with a touch of luck, Kingdomino is a fantastic choice. Designed by Bruno Cathala and published by Blue Orange Games, this award-winning game brings a fresh twist to classic domino-style play. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or introducing family and friends to tabletop gaming, Kingdomino has something for everyone.
Quick Facts About Kingdomino
- Designer: Bruno Cathala
- Publisher: Blue Orange Games
- Players: 2–4
- Playtime: 15–25 minutes
- Recommended Age: 8+
- Game Type: Tile-laying, territory-building
How to Play Kingdomino
Kingdomino is simple to learn but offers enough depth to keep players engaged. The goal is to build a 5×5 kingdom by strategically placing domino-style tiles featuring different terrains, ensuring you maximise points based on tile adjacency and crowns.
Setting Up
Each player receives a starting tile and a king meeple (two if playing with two players). A set number of domino tiles (based on player count) are shuffled and laid out in ascending numerical order. Players take turns choosing tiles for their kingdom, with lower-numbered tiles granting earlier selection in the next round.
Placing Tiles
Each tile consists of two terrain squares, including forests, lakes, wheat fields, grasslands, mines, and swamps. When placing a tile, at least one square must match an adjacent tile’s terrain type, much like traditional dominoes. The exception is the starting tile, which acts as a wildcard for initial placement.
Scoring
The scoring system is where Kingdomino shines. Points are calculated based on the number of connected terrain squares multiplied by the number of crowns present in that terrain cluster. The larger the region and the more crowns within it, the higher the score.
Game Components
Kingdomino’s components are excellent quality, with thick, durable tiles and charming artwork.
- 48 Domino Tiles – Each with beautifully illustrated landscapes.
- 4 Starting Tiles – One per player.
- 8 Wooden Kings – Two per player in a two-player game.
- Rulebook – Clear and concise, making learning easy.
The design is vibrant and inviting, with a colour palette that makes each terrain type stand out. It’s a visually appealing game that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to play.
Playing Kingdomino at Different Player Counts
Two Players with Kingdomino
Kingdomino plays exceptionally well at two players, thanks to a variant where each player selects two tiles per round, allowing for bigger, more strategic kingdoms.
Three Players with Kingdomino
With three players, the game remains competitive but requires a slight rule tweak: one tile is removed each round to balance the tile selection.
Four Players with Kingdomino
The standard rules work best at four players, with each participant choosing one tile per turn. The competition for the best tiles is at its peak in this player count.
Kingdomino Expansions
If you enjoy Kingdomino, there are a few expansions worth exploring:
- Queendomino – A standalone game that adds more depth, with knights, buildings, and a tax system.
- Kingdomino: Age of Giants – Introduces giant tiles that can block areas of your kingdom, adding a fun twist.
- Kingdomino: Duel – A standalone game designed for 2 players
These expansions either enhance the base game without overcomplicating its core mechanics or are standalone games.
Digital Versions of Kingdomino
If you prefer playing online, Kingdomino is available on Board Game Arena for free, allowing you to compete against friends or random players. There’s also an app version for mobile and PC, offering a polished digital experience.
Final Thoughts
Kingdomino is one of those games that’s easy to pick up yet rewarding to master. It’s perfect for casual game nights, family gatherings, or quick strategy sessions. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go!